AFTER A thrilling decider match which saw both team captains battling it out, the Ateneo Women’s Chess Team ended their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 round five run with a draw, 2 (1.5) – 2 (1.5), versus the De La Salle University Lady Woodpushers. The match was held at the Far Eastern University Technology Building yesterday.
Ateneo Team Captain Kristine Flores drew strength from the rest of the squad’s commendable performance, but was unable to hurdle through Arena International Chess Federation (Fide) Master Sara Olendo. The match eventually ended in a draw.
The Blue and White’s lone win came when Jiessel Marino earned a full point over Checy Telesforo on Board One. Meanwhile, on board two, Elayza Villa managed to spark a draw against Francois Magpily. However, Alphecca Gonzales fell short in mirroring her teammates’ success, succumbing to Rinoa Sadey in board four.
Although the Blue Eagles performed well against a formidable squad, Team Captain Flores believes she could have done better with the leverage her team offered her.
“Nakaka-disappoint [‘yung performance ko] kasi ‘yung efforts ng ibang teammates ko nawala. [Natabla] kami sa La Salle, which is okay kasi malakas sila eh, pero sayang ‘yung opportunity,” said Flores.
(I was disappointed with my performance because I felt like I wasted my teammates’ efforts. We managed to draw against La Salle, which is okay because they are strong, but the opportunity was wasted.)
Flores also emphasized how much she had better positioning and had the pawn advantage over Olendo, thinking back on how she could have beat the green-clad woodpusher by taking better advantage of the upper hand.
Nonetheless, she believes that the match-up only serves as a lesson for her to use her time wisely and strategically, especially when she knows when to strike. “‘Wag ako masyadong magmamadali. [Dapat] lagi kong titingnan ‘yung gagamiting oras ko,” emphasized the Laguna-based athlete.
(I should not rush. I should be more conscious of my time usage.)
Now looking to build momentum, the Women’s Team will face off against National University on Saturday at 1 PM. On the other hand, the Men’s Team aims to bounce back as they go head-to-head against the Adamson Falcon Woodpushers on Sunday, 1 PM at the same venue.
